WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Maggie Hassan participated in the floor debate on Betsy DeVos’s nomination, highlighting that Mrs. DeVos is completely unqualified and unprepared to serve as Secretary of Education.

“All public officials – regardless of their party affiliation – should share a reverence for the importance of public education to our country’s success, both now and into the future. And they must show a commitment to enforcing our laws so that all students have the opportunity to succeed. I agree with my colleagues that Mrs. DeVos has not shown a commitment to, or an understanding of, these principles – and that is why I oppose her nomination,” said Senator Hassan today in comments delivered on the Senate floor.

Senator Hassan stressed Mrs. DeVos’ lack of experience with public education, as well as her support for diverting taxpayer dollars to private schools without accountability requirements, which would undermine efforts to ensure that every child has access to the education they need to be competitive and successful leaders in the 21st century economy.

“Mrs. DeVos demonstrated a complete lack of experience in, knowledge of and support for public education. She was unable to address basic issues that any New Hampshire school board member could discuss fluently,” Senator Hassan said.

Senator Hassan also highlighted the stories of the thousands of constituents who have reached out to her office expressing fear for what Mrs. DeVos’s confirmation would mean for their families, saying, “Mrs. DeVos’s unfamiliarity with IDEA, her comments on students with disabilities was something my office heard about often from Granite State parents who contacted the office with concerns about her nomination.”

Senator Hassan spoke of a constituent from Concord who said she was feeling “vulnerable” about the future of her stepdaughter, who experiences both physical and cognitive disabilities, as a result of Mrs. DeVos’s nomination.

“Parents across our nation deserve to know that the rights of their children will be protected – and they are rightfully concerned with Mrs. DeVos’s nomination,” Senator Hassan stated.

SHAHEEN: “Because Betsy DeVos does not understand these basic truths about education in America, because she is driven by an ideological hostility to our public schools, she is the wrong person to serve as our Secretary of Education.”

Shaheen’s office has received more than 4,000 letters and emails, nearly all opposing DeVos, and 1,405 callsin opposition to her nomination

(Washington, DC) — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) spoke on the Senate floor today in opposition of President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. “I value public schools as one of our nation’s bedrock civic and democratic institutions,” Shaheen said. “[Public schools] provide the best opportunity for kids from all walks of life to get a quality education. And they pass on to each new generation – including children of immigrants – America’s shared ideals and values. Regrettably, after careful study of Ms. DeVos’s record as an activist, I have concluded that she does not agree with this view of our public schools.”

“Given her past record, it makes no sense to put Ms. DeVos in charge of the Department of Education unless the aim is to devalue, defund, and perhaps eventually destroy our public schools,” Shaheen stated. “And I think that is unacceptable.”

On the Senate floor, Shaheen looked back on her own education and how she benefitted from public schools spanning grade school to higher education. She also cited her background as a public school teacher in Mississippi and New Hampshire, as well as her experience both as a parent and as New Hampshire’s governor.

Shaheen drew attention to the heightened interest among constituents on DeVos’ nomination, saying her “office has been inundated with letters, emails, and phone calls strongly opposing the DeVos nomination.” Shaheen’s office has received more than 4,000 letters and emails from Granite Staters, and almost all of them oppose this nomination, in addition to 1,405 calls in opposition, with only three phone calls in support.

Shaheen read letters from Granite State educators, parents and concerned constituents that her office received opposing Ms. DeVos’ nomination. Megan, a social studies teacher, wrote: “Mrs. DeVos clearly lacks even a basic understanding of federal education policy, laws, and instructional practices. She has no relevant experience. There is just no way I would ever be certified to instruct students in New Hampshire if I lacked as much knowledge and experience in my field. But she gets to be the nation’s chief educator. How is this good for kids?”

Referencing Ms. DeVos’ unawareness of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Shaheen read a letter from a parent in Western New Hampshire who wrote, “As the parent of a daughter with Down syndrome, I fear for the future of IDEA if DeVos is in charge.”

“What Ms. DeVos fails to understand is that quality education has nothing to do with whether a school is public or private,” concluded Shaheen. “What counts are high-quality teachers, support from parents and communities, facilities where kids can enjoy learning and be safe, rigorous academic standards, and the resources to make sure that children can get the learning that they need, including individualized assistance to kids with special needs. What counts is the political and budgetary commitment to create high-quality schools in every neighborhood, regardless of zip code.”

Testimony in Opposition to Frank Edelblut Nomination as Commissioner of the State of New Hampshire Dept. of Education

Councilors,

Thank you for taking the time to hear my testimony and thank you for providing everyone here an opportunity to weigh in on this nomination.

As president of AFT-NH, I represent some 4000 education professionals, including teachers and para-educators. I mention those two groups because they form the largest portion of our membership and as education professionals they are required to be certified as competent to do their work and in many cases they must be highly qualified. Public education, filled with myriad of mandates and a maze of requirements and regulations, is a complex field. An individual charged with heading the NH Dept. of Education should be familiar with and have extensive experience in the educational arena. In fact, State statute (RSA 21-N:3) is quite clear: “The commissioner and deputy commissioner shall be qualified to hold their positions by reason of education and experience.” I am afraid that Mr. Edelblut, even with his success in business and his brief tenure in the NH House, does not reach this threshold of qualifications.

Mr. Edelblut has never served in any capacity in the public school systems of NH. He did not serve on the Education Committee in the NH House, nor has he ever served on a District School Board or even taken an active/visible interest in local educational issues, if election campaign media reports are to be believed. While personally educated in public schools, that is not sufficient to meet the statutory standard—otherwise, virtually everyone in this room would be qualified to serve as Commissioner. His post-secondary fields of endeavor were in business and in theology, not in any field related to education.

Choosing to home school his own children, he has had very little, if any, contact with local schools, whether public or even public charters, and one is left to wonder how he can carry out the statutory mandate to lead the Department in

Providing general supervision for elementary and secondary schools, teachers and administrators.

Providing a variety of educational services to schools and particular groups.

Providing vocational rehabilitation and social security disability determination services for persons with disabilities.

Our teachers and para-educators are required to be certified, and for good reason. The welfare of our children, the State’s most precious resource, is at stake. It seems foolish to entrust their welfare and the future of the State to an individual who is undeniably accomplished, but who has no record of accomplishment, nay, virtually no record at all, in the area of education. It is for these reasons, that on behalf of the members of AFT-NH, I ask that you vote to reject the nomination of Frank Edelblut as Commissioner of the NH Department of Education.

CONCORD NEW HAMPSHIRE—Several groups concerned about a rising tide of intolerance and violence will conduct a silent vigil in front of the New Hampshire State House during the time Donald T. Trump is taking the oath of office as the nation’s 45th president on Friday, January 20.

“At the time of the swearing in, we will gather to recommit to the values we hold dear and to stand with those who are marginalized, threatened, and afraid,” said the Rev. Gray Fitzgerald of Concord. “We recognize that at the moment of the vigil we are entering a new epoch in the history of our country. We are joining together to acknowledge that reality and to reaffirm our commitment to multiculturalism, GLBTQ and women’s rights, an economic system that works for all, immigrant rights, inclusion of all people, respect for those with disabilities, racial justice, love and care of the planet, inclusion of all spiritual and religious traditions, and justice leading to peace.”

The Silent Vigil of Hope and Concern will take place from noon to 12:15 PM.

The vigil will be preceded by a short program beginning at 11:45 AM. It will also be followed by a short program. Afterward, participants will adjourn to a nearby office for hot beverages and conversation.

Rev. Fitzgerald said all are invited who share these stated values and who want to join with others in a ritual of recommitment. “It is our intention to stand even more strongly for these principles in the coming days. As we face this new period, we gather in solidarity as brothers and sisters reaffirming what we stand for regardless of who is president,” Rev. Fitzgerald added.

The Vigil of Hope and Concern is sponsored by the Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ NH Conference, the American Friends Service Committee, Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service, NH Peace Action, and the Equality Center.

Granite State Progress Calls on Governor Sununu, Majority Leader Hinch to Name At Least 5 Businesses That Will Move to NH If Right to Work Passes

Right to Work Advocates Have Been Unable to Name a Single Business in Six Years

CONCORD, NH – Granite State Progress calls on Governor Chris Sununu and House Republican Majority Leader Dick Hinch to name at least five businesses that will move to New Hampshire if so-called Right to Work passes. Both politicians made statements during last week’s inauguration and interviews that passing Right to Work is important for business development and that businesses will move to the state upon passage. However, when media outlets questioned NH Speaker Bill O’Brien over the same claim in 2011 he was unable to name even a single business. Additionally, both NH’s Commissioner of Labor and NH’s Commissioner of Resources and Economic Development at the time confirmed not a single business had asked about the legislation:

Union Leader, Businesses are not asking for the right-to-work bill by George Copadis, NH Commissioner of Labor: “Not once has the topic of right-to-work ever come up in all of [their] discussions with New Hampshire businesses and prospective businesses.” [5.24.11]

Statement by Granite State Progress Executive Director Zandra Rice Hawkins: “Right to Work is wrong for working families and its wrong for New Hampshire. This is nothing more than an attempt to undermine workers’ rights and create another hurdle for working families to come together to negotiate for good jobs with reasonable wages and benefits, job safety, and job training. The politicians and special interest backers pushing this policy should instead support raising wages, end off-shoring of our jobs, and pass family-friendly workplace policies that respect the contributions workers bring to increasing profits in our country.”

Granite State Progress publicly calls on Governor Sununu and Majority Leader Hinch to release a list of the companies they purport will bring jobs to New Hampshire if the state passes legislation that hurts working families.

Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems.

Sponsored Post with tips to save money on your energy bill this winter.

When it comes to the east coast, its long frigid winters, tropical storms and annual hurricanes, your windows have most likely seen their fair share of beatings from mother nature. The resulting damage can vary from swollen window frames, or leaky windows to deteriorated seals, but it is not always easy to tell when they actually need to be repaired or replaced. If you aren’t sure what to look for, we will outline the 5 most common signs of window damage to look out for.

Save Energy

If you do regular inspections on your windows to ensure that they are functioning properly, you can save a lot of money not only on your maintenance bill but on your energy bill as well. High energy bills are commonly attributed to run down, drafty old windows, which can push the figure up as much as 25%! Examine your windows with this handy checklist to find how much money and energy you could potentially save.

The Tell Tale Signs

Mother nature, in the form of the ever-changing weather, speeds up the wear and tear of most parts of your home, but your windows are particularly at risk as they are the thinnest barrier between you and the outside world. Is it time to renovate, repair or replace? Here are the signs;

There is a Draft coming Through the House

Drafty windows are generally the result of failed weather-strips on your windows’ sashes, but may also be caused by cracked windowpane or where the glazing putty on the glass has decayed. The offending elements should be replaced, but until you can find a long term and possibly costly solution, using caulk to seal these gaps is a cost-effective and easy solution.

The Windows are Chipped, Cracked or Broken

This is the easiest and most obvious issue to detect; cracks, chips and scratches usually come from storm damage. These should be placed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of shattered glass getting into your home and causing damage or injury.

The Windows are Old, Run Down and Rotten

It is quite easy to tell if a home is old, just old by looking at windows. Old windows tend to have cracked, rotten or discolored frames which have taken damage over the years. Before simply repainting, ensure that none of weathered sections are worn or rotten, as painting may mask the issue but will not prevent further deterioration. Decayed frames often require a completely new window.

The Windows have Fog or Water Condensation

When the window seals are broken, then water droplets will begin to form on the inside of the glass. When this happens, the window pane has allowed air into the space between the panes of glass. When moisture also finds its way in then you will get foggy windows, due to the condensation. It is highly recommended that you replace your frames when the deterioration has reached this point.

The Windows are Leaking Water

If your window doesn’t want to close properly all this way this will usually be the chief cause of water leaking in. If the window has a locking mechanism, then locking it may help. If it doesn’t help, then chances are that the frame is compromised and will need to be replaced. Ensure that the roof isn’t leaking down onto the window to rule out other possibilities.

About the Guest Author

This article was provided by a Chicago window repair company, Apex Window Werks. The company specializes in home window repair, glass repair, window defogging and replacement services. Visit their website for more details.

On Wednesday, December 21, Homeless Memorial Day vigils will be held at ten locations around the state, honoring 45 New Hampshire people who died in 2016, whose lives were shortened by homelessness. The statewide effort is coordinated by Maggie Fogarty, Co-Director of the NH Program for the American Friends Service Committee, and the events are part of a national Homeless Memorial Day remembrance.

Governor Hassan has declared December 21 to be Homeless Memorial Day in New Hampshire.

On the longest night of the year, in the cold of winter, we pause to grieve together that human beings continue to suffer without the basic security of a place to call home,” said Fogarty. “We read each name, and offer memories, songs and prayers of loss and commitment. We renew ourselves for the work ahead, to ensure that everyone in New Hampshire has a safe place to call home.”

Vigils are planned in the following communities:

Concord: Wednesday, December 21 at 4 pm in State House Plaza, bring a candle. Hosted by the American Friends Service Committee and the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness. Contact: Maggie Fogarty, mfogarty@afsc.org, 603-224-2407

Campaign to Focus on Getting Out the Vote Among Women, Including GOP Women, Repulsed By Trump Views and Actions

Following First Lady Michelle Obama’s powerful speech outlining the stakes of this election for American women, Hillary for America is dispatching top women surrogates to battleground states across America, as well as deepening its concentrated national effort to emphasize the troubling accusations against Donald Trump and his degrading comments about women to women voters. The Clinton campaign will have hundreds of events nationwide this weekend to contact women voters, including many Republican women, and urge them to register, vote early or get out the vote for Clinton ahead of November.

In addition, Hillary for America is launching a new call team feature to its voter call tool, including a new “FLOTUS Call Team,” where supporters can join together as a community around the First Lady’s statement that “enough is enough” and make phone calls to turn out voters for Clinton in the election. Additionally, on Saturday, women’s health advocate Cecile Richards will join her daughter, Hillary for America’s Lily Adams, for a Facebook Live on Hillary for America’s Facebook page to launch their own “Mother-Daughter Team” to contact voters and echo Obama’s message.

“This week has further shown just how high the stakes are for women in this election,” said Mini Timmaraju, Hillary for America’s Women’s Vote Director. “Donald Trump believes women are to be degraded and demeaned, while Hillary Clinton has been fighting for women’s rights for 40 years, with concrete plans to support them and their families as president. Our campaign is mobilizing women disgusted by Trump to organize their communities and get out the vote for Clinton, either during early voting or on Election Day.”

Hillary for America’s state campaigns will focus their organizing activities on women this weekend, launching women-to-women phone banks, canvasses, voter registration drives and Get Out the Early Vote events across critical battlegrounds. Recent polls show that Trump is lagging badly among women voters — woefully underperforming 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney in critical, vote-rich areas like the Philadelphia suburbs — giving Clinton an opening to further widen the gender gap, effectively walling off Trump’s capacity to make the gains he needs to win.

Additionally, starting today, top Clinton supporters and surrogates are hitting the campaign trail to emphasize the choice women have in this election. Today, for example, Chelsea Clinton was in Pittsburgh, urging women on campus at Pitt to reject Trump’s offensive candidacy, while Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado joined local athletes to reject Trump’s defense of his degrading comments as “locker room talk.” Additionally, Eva Longoria urged Latinas to register to vote in Orlando and EMILY’s List president Stephanie Schriock did grassroots organizing activity in North Carolina, while former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will give remarks decrying recent Trump revelations tonight in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

This weekend, elected and former officials and national allies will meet with volunteers and kick off canvasses across the state, discussing Hillary Clinton’s plan to build an economy that works for everyone — not just those at the top. During the events, surrogates will also lay out what’s at stake for women, children, and families this election, and contrast Hillary Clinton’s lifelong record of fighting for women and families with Trump’s record of offensive and demeaning comments and behavior towards women.

As part of the “New Hampshire Together” coordinated campaign, volunteers will go door-to-door to talk to voters about the stark difference between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Supporters will work to engage voters on key issues, including creating new good-paying jobs, encouraging small business growth, increasing the minimum wage, making college more affordable, tackling climate change, providing tax relief for working families, and fighting for affordable child care.

Additionally, the surrogates will urge Granite Staters to remember First Lady Michelle Obama’s call to action – especially among women – that “We have knowledge, we have a voice, we have a vote” and that on Election Day, New Hampshire voters “can come together and declare that enough is enough, and we do not tolerate this kind of behavior in our country.”

With more people voting in this election than any in history, the surrogates will also talk about the importance of electing Democrats up and down the ticket and urge New Hampshire voters to visit iwillvote.com/learn to ensure that they have all the information they need to vote on Election Day. Additionally, they will remind volunteers to communicate to voters that New Hampshire offers same-day voter registration.

Press Conference To Be Held At Campaign Legislative Office Building (LOB) Concord 11AM Oct 6, 2016

Women leaders announce the expansion of the Feminist Majority’s She Wins We Win campaign in New Hampshire at a News Conference at the Legislative Office Building in Concord on Thursday, October 6, at 11:00 AM. Participants include Representative Marjorie Smith (D- Durham), Representative Jackie Cilley (D-Barrington), Former State Senate President Sylvia Larsen of Concord, and She Wins We Win national director Eleanor LeCain who will speak with reporters in the LOB Lobby at 11AM and talk about the campaign’s efforts in New Hampshire.

Women leaders understand that families depend on paid family leave and medical leave, a higher minimum wage and passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. They know that college has to be made debt-free and available to all and that all Americans deserve to live their lives free from discrimination and that America has to be the world’s leader by passing the Clean Energy Challenge and cut carbon emissions. And lastly, our women leaders will continue to fight for women’s health and reproductive rights; defend access to contraception and abortion; and repeal the Hyde and Helms Amendments to make abortion accessible for more low-income women.

The Feminist Majority has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, Maggie Hassan for US Senate, Carol Shea-Porter and Ann McLane Kuster for US House. The She Wins We Win campaign is highlighting their records of achievement and their vision for the future.

In particular the campaign is committed to making sure people know about Hillary’s stellar record over the decades on women’s rights—both domestically and globally—as well as civil rights, human rights, children’s rights, and economic justice.

The campaign is organizing volunteers and mobilizing feminists on the ground to remind citizens of New Hampshire that they can register to vote on election day and educating them about how to do so.

The She Wins We Win campaign is active in several other presidential battleground states where Democratic women are running for the US Senate including North Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.